Serving tray with removable handle

ABSTRACT

A serving tray ( 10 ) comprising a substantially planar tray ( 12 ) having a top surface ( 12   a ), and a bottom surface ( 12   b ) with a removable elongate handle ( 14 ) extending from the bottom surface of the tray. The tray ( 12 ) includes a handle coupling that is accessible via an opening in the vicinity of the bottom surface of the tray for receiving a complimentary engagement member of the handle ( 14 ) in a slidably releasable friction-fit hold.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a serving tray. In particular, althoughnot exclusively, the serving tray is suited for use in the hospitalityindustry.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

In the hospitality industry it is well known for waitstaff to useserving trays to transport drinks and food from the kitchen or bar tocustomers. Serving trays are also commonly used by waitstaff totransport empty glasses and dishes cleared from tables back to thekitchen for cleaning. Serving trays come in a variety of different sizesand shapes and are often carried by one hand of the waiter or waitress.For example, when loading a tray the waiter or waitress typically placestheir hand centrally underneath the tray with fingers and thumbs spreadthereby balancing the tray upon their hand. A portion of the tray mayalso rest on the forearm of the waiter or waitress.

Loading of a serving tray with drinks and food or empty dishes iscarefully managed to evenly spread the tray load about the surface ofthe tray to assist the waiter or waitress to stabilise balance the trayon their hand. Unloading of the contents of the tray must also bemanaged in a similar way to prevent unbalancing of the tray, which canresult in the tray tilting or being dropped resulting in spilling of thetray's contents onto the floor below. Use of this conventional servingtray technique requires training for most new waitstaff as misuse oftrays can result in costly spillages and breakages of glasses anddishes. Additionally, accidental collisions of waitstaff with each otheror objects such as tables and chairs or other patrons in the restaurantor bar can also result in an entire tray being spilt on the floor.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved servingtray, or to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a servingtray comprising: a substantially planar tray having a top surface andbottom surface, and being provided with a coupling comprising aninternal cavity that is accessible via an opening in the vicinity of thebottom surface of the tray; and an elongate handle being coupled to thecoupling so as to extend from the bottom surface of the tray, theinternal cavity of the coupling being adapted to receive and retain acomplementary engagement member or engagement portion of the handle in aslidably releasable friction-fit hold.

Preferably, the handle may be slidably releasable from the tray in adirection coincident or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle.

Preferably, the elongate handle may extend longitudinally between atop-end and a bottom-end, and wherein the engagement member orengagement portion extends from the top-end of the handle.

Preferably, the internal cavity of the coupling may have a frustoconicalshape and the engagement member or engagement portion of the handle mayhave a complementary frustoconical shape.

Preferably, the coupling may be centrally located with respect to theperipheral edge of the tray.

In one form, the coupling may be integrally formed with the tray.

In another form, the coupling may be releasably mounted to the tray.

Preferably, the coupling may be in the form of a coupling assemblyhaving a first part and a second part that are securable to each otherfrom opposite surfaces of the tray via a central aperture extendingthrough the tray. More preferably, the first and second parts of thecoupling assembly may be securable together via a screw-threadarrangement.

Preferably, the elongate handle may be arranged to extend substantiallyperpendicularly relative to the bottom surface of the tray.

In one form, the handle may be provided with an upper flange at ortoward its top-end that extends outwardly from the peripheral surface ofthe handle.

In another form, the handle may be provided with an upper flange at ortoward its top-end and a lower flange at or toward its bottom-end, theflanges extending outwardly from the peripheral surface of the handleand defining between them a handgrip region of the handle for the user'shand.

In one form, the handle may have a circular cross-sectional shape alongits length. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional diameter of thehandle may be uniform along a substantial portion of its length. Inanother embodiment, the cross-sectional diameter of the handle isnon-uniform along its length. Preferably, the cross-sectional diameterof the handle at or toward its top-end is reduced relative to thecross-sectional diameter at or toward its bottom-end. Additionally oralternatively, the cross-sectional diameter of the handle in a middleportion between the top-end and bottom-end of the handle may be reducedrelative to the remainder of the handle.

In another form, the cross-sectional circumference of the handle may benon-uniform along its length. Preferably, the cross-sectionalcircumference of the handle at or toward its top-end may be reducedrelative to the cross-sectional circumference at or toward itsbottom-end. More preferably, the cross-sectional circumference of thehandle in a middle portion between the top-end and bottom-end of thehandle may be reduced relative to the remainder of the handle.

Preferably, the tray is provided with a rim that protrudes upwardly fromthe peripheral edge of the tray relative to the top surface of the tray.

Preferably, the serving tray may further comprise a display stand thatis removably mounted to the top, surface of the tray. More preferably,the display stand comprises a frame onto which display material issecurable.

Preferably, the display stand further comprises a mounting componentattached to the frame that is arranged to mount onto a complimentaryprotrusion provided centrally on the top surface of the tray.

In a second aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a kit ofparts for assembling into a serving tray comprising: a substantiallyplanar tray having a top surface and a bottom surface; a couplingintegral with the tray or securable to the tray, the coupling comprisingan internal cavity that is accessible via an opening in the bottomsurface of the tray; and an elongate handle with an engagement member orengagement portion that is releaseably securable to the coupling of thetray such that the handle extends from the bottom surface of the traywhen installed, the internal cavity of the coupling being adapted toreceive and retain the engagement member or engagement portion of thehandle in a slidably releasable friction-fit hold.

In a third aspect, the present invention broadly consists in asubstantially planar serving tray having a top surface and a bottomsurface and which has a coupling with an internal cavity that isaccessible via an opening in the vicinity of the bottom surface of thetray and which is shaped to receive an retain a complementary shapedengagement member or engagement portion of an elongate handle such thatthe handle extends from the bottom surface of the tray when installed.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention broadly consists in anelongate handle for coupling to a serving tray, the handle extendingbetween a top-end and a bottom-end, and having an engagement member orengagement portion extending from the top-end of the handle that isshaped to be received and retained in a complementary shaped internalcavity of a coupling of the serving tray.

Preferably, the engagement member or engagement portion of the handlehas a frustoconical shape.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a handlecoupling assembly for releasbly coupling a handle to a serving trayserving tray having a top surface and a bottom surface, the couplingassembly comprising a first part and a second part that are securable toeach other from opposite surfaces of the tray via a central apertureextending trough the tray and together providing an internal cavity thatis accessible via an opening in the vicinity of the bottom surface ofthe tray and which is shaped to receive an retain a complementary shapedengagement member of an elongate handle such that the handle extendsfrom the bottom surface of the tray when installed.

The second-fifth aspects of the invention may further comprise any oneor more features mentioned in respect of the first aspect of theinvention.

The term “coupling” as used in this specification and claims, unless thecontext suggests otherwise, is intended to cover any form of couplingthat is capable of releaseably securing the handle to the tray, whetherthe coupling is an integral part, formation, or aperture of the tray ora separate part or multi-part coupling assembly that is secured to thetray.

The term “tray” as used in this specification and claims, unless thecontext suggests otherwise, is intended to cover any size or shaped trayof the type that is substantially planar, including, by way of example,but not limited to, circular, square, rectangular, or any arbitraryshaped trays.

The term “comprising” as used in this specification and claims means“consisting at least in part of”. When interpreting each statement inthis specification and claims that includes the term “comprising”,features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also bepresent. Related terms such as “comprise” and “comprises” are to beinterpreted in the same manner.

As used herein the term “and/or” means “and” or “or”, or both.

As used herein “(s)” following a noun means the plural and/or singularforms of the noun.

The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructionsof which the following gives examples only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way ofexample only and with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an assembled serving tray inaccordance with a first embodiment of the invention, and which includesa tray having an integral handle coupling;

FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the components of theserving tray of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A shows a top-side perspective view of the top surface of apreferred form of tray of serving tray of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B shows an underside perspective view of the bottom surface of apreferred form of tray of the serving tray of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows an underside perspective view of the bottom surface ofanother form of tray of the serving tray of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows a top-side perspective view of a preferred form handle ofthe serving tray of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 shows a top-side perspective view of a preferred form displaystand of the serving tray of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7A shows an exploded view of the components of a serving tray inaccordance with a second preferred embodiment of the invention, andwhich includes a tray with a removable handle coupling assembly;

FIG. 7B shows an underside perspective view of a partially assembledserving tray of

FIG. 7A in which the upper part of the coupling assembly is insertedinto a central aperture of the tray;

FIG. 7C shows an underside perspective view of a further partiallyassembled serving tray of FIG. 7A in which the handle coupling assemblyis fully installed in the tray;

FIG. 7D shows an underside perspective view of a fully assembled servingtray of

FIG. 7A in which the handle is fully inserted into the handle couplingassembly installed in the tray; and

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional elevation view of the assembled servingtray taken through line CC from direction D of FIG. 7D.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Overview

The present invention broadly relates to a serving tray assembly for useby waitstaff in the hospitality industry for transporting drinks, food,or empty glasses and dishes or other articles between patrons and thekitchen, bar, or other food or drink preparation area. The serving traycomprises two main parts, namely a removable substantially planar trayand a substantially elongate handle that is releaseably coupled to thetray. In operation, drinks, food or any other tray contents can beloaded upon the top-side of the tray by the user and the tray may thenbe carried around by the user gripping the handle that is releaseablycoupled to extend from the underside of the tray. The handle isreleaseably coupled to the tray by a coupling that is integrally formedwith or otherwise attached or fixed to the tray. Typically, the couplingis provided centrally in the tray with respect to the peripheral edge ofthe tray, such that the handle extends from the center of the tray.However, in other embodiments the handle may be non-centrally mounted atother locations of the tray if desired. Optionally, a display stand isremovably mounted to the top surface of the tray via a mountingassembly. The display stand is configured or arranged to mount or retainadvertising or other material, provided in written text or graphicalform upon a medium such as paper, cardboard or any other suitablematerial. By way of example, two preferred embodiments of the servingtray will now be explained in more detail.

First preferred embodiment- serving tray with integral handle coupling

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, a first preferred embodiment of the serving tray10 will be described. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the serving tray 10comprises a substantially planar tray 12. In this embodiment, the tray12 is substantially circular, although any other shaped or sized traycould be used in alternative embodiments including but not limited to,square, rectangular, oval, or any other arbitrary shaped tray. The tray12 has a top surface 12 a upon which food, drink and other tray contentsare placed by the user, and a bottom surface 12 b on the opposite sideof the tray. The boundary of the tray 12 is defined by a peripheral edge12 c. Optionally, an integral rim 12 d may extend upwardly (for examplesubstantially perpendicularly or angularly) from the peripheral edge 12c relative to the top surface 12 a of the tray. The peripheral rim 12 dassists in preventing articles supported on the tray from rolling orslipping off the tray and onto the floor in use. It will be appreciatedthat any other form of peripheral ridge or projection couldalternatively be used. Additionally, the top surface 12 a of the traymay be provided with a grip surface for preventing carried articles fromslipping off the tray.

The serving tray 10 also comprises a removable handle 14 that isconfigured for releaseably coupling into the bottom surface 12 b of thetray 12. In this embodiment, the handle 14 is configured to bereleaseably coupled with a coupling 16 that is integrally formed withthe tray and located at the centre of the tray.

The longitudinal axis of the elongate handle extends in an orientationthat is substantially perpendicular to the planar tray surface, althoughit will be appreciated that the serving tray may be adapted orconfigured to mount the handle at any other angular orientation withrespect to the tray's surface in alternative forms if desired.

Optionally, the serving tray 10 is provided with a removable displaystand 18. Advertising or other graphical and/or written material may bemounted or otherwise attached to the display stand 18 that is mounted tothe top surface 12 a of the tray 12. In this embodiment, the displaystand 18 is configured for removable mounting to the top surface 12 a ofthe tray 12 via a mounting assembly or component 20.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the integral handle coupling 16 will bedescribed in further detail. The coupling 16 is preferably in the formof a substantially hollow body 16 a that protrudes upwardly from the topsurface 12 a of the tray 12. In this embodiment, the hollow body 16 ahas a frustoconical shape, but it will be appreciated that any othershape of hollow body could alternatively be used. The hollow body 16 aprovides an internal cavity for slidably receiving and retaining anengagement member of the handle. Referring to FIG. 3B, access to thecavity provided in the hollow body 16 a is provided via an opening orcavity access aperture 16 b in the bottom surface 12 b of the tray 12.In this embodiment, a spacing formation generally indicated by 22surrounds the cavity access aperture 16 b and protrudes from the bottomsurface 12 b of the tray 12. In this embodiment, the spacing formation22 comprises an annular wall 22 a protruding perpendicularly from thebottom surface 12 b of the tray and having a diameter that is greaterthan the diameter of the cavity access aperture 16 b of the coupling. Aplurality of sloped leg formations 22 b extend radially outwardly fromthe periphery of the annular wall 22 a and terminate prior to theperipheral edge 12 c of the tray. In this embodiment, the legs 22 b arewedge-like components in that they taper in thickness as they extendradially outward from the annular wall 22 a. For example, the thicknessof each leg 22 b is substantially equal to the height of the annularwall 22 a and progressively the thickness reduces to nothing as the legs22 b terminate flush with remainder of the bottom surface 12 b. Annularwall 22 a and the associated annular portion of the bottom surface 12 bof the tray between the annular wall 22 a and edge of the cavity accessaperture 16 b provide an annular recess generally indicated by 22 c thatis configured to receive and abut with a complimentary upper flangeprovided on the removable handle to be described in further detaillater.

It will be appreciated that the spacing formation 22 is not necessarilyessential. For example, and with reference to FIG. 4, the bottom surface12 b of the tray may simply comprise the cavity access aperture 16 b tothe retaining cavity formed by the hollow body 16 a protruding from thetop surface 12 a of the tray 12. The cavity access aperture 16 b may beprovided with a small protruding annular rim 24, or alternatively inother embodiments the aperture 16 b may be completely flush with theremaining bottom surface 12 b of the tray. A tray having a substantiallyflat bottom surface 12 b without any central or other protrusions may beadvantageous in situations where the serving tray is removed from thehandle and needs to be placed on a table or other flat surface with fullabutting contact. It will be appreciated that protrusions or projectionsfrom the bottom surface 12 b of the tray may cause the tray to tilt ortip if only supported by the surface if it is placed there without thehandle.

Referring to FIG. 5, a preferred form handle 14 will be described infurther detail. The handle 14 is substantially elongate and extendsbetween a top-end 26 and a bottom-end 28. The cross-sectional shape ofthe handle may be substantially uniform or alternatively non-uniformalong the length of the handle. The handle may be substantially hollow,substantially solid, or a combination of these in different areas. Thesize of the handle may also be substantially uniform or alternativelynon-uniform along the length of the handle. In the preferred form shown,the cross-sectional (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) shape ofthe handle is circular along its length thereby providing a tube-likeperipheral surface that is suited for comfortable and natural grippingby the hand of a user. It will be appreciated that the cross-sectionalshape of the handle along its length need not necessarily be circularand any other shapes, such as square, rectangular, oval or arbitraryshapes could alternatively be employed, including any combination ofthese, to provide a desired ergonomic peripheral gripping surface alongthe length of the handle.

In this preferred form, the cross-sectional diameter of the handleprogressively reduces from its top-end 26 to its bottom-end 28 toprovide a cone-like or tapered tubular gripping member. However, it willbe appreciated that the cross-sectional diameter may be uniform alongthe length of the handle in other embodiments.

As referred to earlier, the handle 14 is provided with an engagementmember or protrusion 30 or an engagement portion that protrudes from thetop-end 26 of the handle. In the embodiment shown, the engagement memberis integrally formed with the remainder of the handle, although it willbe appreciated that the engagement member may be separately formed andattached to the handle in alternative embodiments. The engagement member30 is shaped and sized to compliment the cavity of the hollow body 16 aof the coupling 16 of the tray 12 such that the engagement member isslidably insertable and engageable into the cavity with a friction-fit.As shown, the preferred form engagement member 30 has a frustoconicalshape that compliments the frustoconical shape of the cavity of the body16 a of the coupling. In operation, the handle 14 is inserted such thatthe narrower end 30 a of the engagement member 30 is inserted into thecavity access aperture 16 b provided on the bottom surface 12 b of thetray. The handle is inserted further until full engagement of theengagement member 30 within the cavity formed by the hollow body 16 a isachieved. In this embodiment, the tray is configured such that thehandle 14 is slidably insertable or engageable into the internal cavityof the body 16 a of the handle coupling 16 of the tray in the directionthat corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the handle 14. Likewise,the handle 14 may be slidably released or disengaged from the handlecoupling 16 of the tray 12 by pulling the handle from the coupling inthe opposite direction to that of the installation direction.

In the preferred form, the engagement member 30 and cavity of the hollowbody 16 a of the coupling are arranged to securely couple together via afriction-fit hold to prevent the tray from spinning about the centrallongitudinal axis AA of the handle when in use. However, it will beappreciated that the friction-fit need not necessarily be employed inother embodiments. For example, the engagement member 30 of the handlemay be inserted into larger cavity formed in the tray with a loose-fitarrangement. In this embodiment, the tray remains coupled to the handleunder gravity in use, and to prevent significant movement of the tray,such as spinning or rotation of the tray relative to the handle, anoperable locking mechanism may be provided to lock the tray to thehandle. Any locking mechanism could be employed, including, for examplebut not limited to, a locking pin that extends from the handle and intoan aperture in the tray, or vice versa.

In the preferred form, the coupling between the tray and removablehandle is such that a receiving cavity is provided on the tray intowhich an engagement member of the handle can be inserted. It will beappreciated that an opposite coupling arrangement could be employed inalternative forms of the serving tray. For example, the top-end of thehandle may be provided with a cavity into which an engagement memberprovided on the bottom surface of the tray may be inserted into with afriction-fit hold.

In the preferred form, the handle 14 is provided with an upper flange 32located at or toward the top-end 26 of the handle and a lower flange 34located at or toward the bottom-end 28 of the handle. The upper 32 andlower 34 flange preferably extend radially outward from the peripheralsurface of the handle in a substantially perpendicular orientationrelative to the longitudinal axis AA of the handle. However, it will beappreciated that the flanges 32, 34 may be disposed at any other anglerelative to the handle longitudinal axis as desired. The purpose of theflanges 32, 34 is two-fold. In use, the flanges 32, 34 define a hardgrip region there between and assist the user to maintain their hand onthe handle between the flanges without slipping. Additionally, the topflange 32 may act to distribute the load of the tray about the user'sthumb, index and upper hand in use as a user's hand will tend to slip upthe handle under the weight of the tray and its contents. In thispreferred form, the upper flange 32 is also arranged to engage with thespacing formation 22 on the bottom surface 12 b of the tray 12 in thevicinity of the coupling formation. In particular, on full engagement ofthe handle 14 with the tray handle coupling, the top flange 32 isreceived and fits snugly in the complimentary annular recess 22 c of thespacing formation 22.

Referring to FIG. 6, a preferred form of display stand 18 for optionallymounting to the top surface 12 a of the tray 12 will be described. Aspreviously mentioned, the display stand 18 may be removably mounted tothe tray, and preferably is centrally mountable to the tray in thevicinity of the handle coupling 16. In brief, the preferred form displaystand 18 comprises a frame 36 and a mounting assembly or component 38located at or toward the bottom of the frame 36. In this preferred form,the frame 36 is in the form of an enclosed rectangle formed by twoparallel upright members 36 a, 36 b that are joined together at theirtop and bottom ends by upper 36 c and lower 36 d lateral members.

In use, advertising material, for example printed matter, including textor graphical works or any combination thereof, provided on any suitablemedium, such as paper, cardboard, textile or the like can mounted orfixed to the frame 36. The frame 36 essentially defines a display area40 upon which the advertising material will be mounted. The display area40 is delineated by the periphery of the frame 36. It will beappreciated that various coupling mechanisms or mounting mechanisms maybe used to mount advertising material to the frame 36, including fixingdevices, adhesives or the like. In one possible form, the lateralmembers 36 a, 36 b are provided with guide side slots along their lengththat each opens towards the display area and the upper lateral member 36c is provided with a slot along its length extending from the uppersurface of the lateral member to its lower surface adjacent to thedisplay area 40. With this side slot and top-slot aperture arrangement,rigid or semi-rigid advertising material of a size that compliments thedisplay area or slightly larger may be slid down and inserted throughthe slot aperture in the upper lateral member 36 c and retained at itssides by the guide slots of the upright members 36 a, 36 b. In thisarrangement, the advertising material can be removed from the frame andreplaced as desired.

In the preferred form, the mounting assembly 38 comprises mouldedplastic polymer mounting component 38. The mounting component 38comprises a substantially hollow body formed by an upper frustoconicalprotrusion or formation 38 a that is fixed or attached at its top-end tothe middle of the lower lateral member 36 d of the frame 36. An annularskirt extends radially downward from the bottom edge of thefrustoconical shaped protrusion 38 a. In operation, the frustoconicalupper portion 38 a creates an internal hollow cavity that is shaped tosecure and engage with the complimentary shaped protrusion 16 a formedon the top surface 12 a of the tray by the handle coupling 16 as shownin FIG. 3A. Preferably, the mounting component 38 fits with afriction-fit hold securely onto the hollow body 16 a of the handlecoupling 16 of the tray 12 in a slidable fashion. The annular skirt 38 bof the mounting component 38 provides additional support for the displaystand 18 by abutting an annular surface portion of the top surface 12 aof the tray 12 immediately adjacent to the hollow body 16 a of thehandle coupling 16 to prevent the stand from being easily dislodged orfalling off the tray during use. It will be appreciated that othermounting arrangements could be used if desired. For example,complimentary screw-threads could be provided on interior wall of thecavity within frustoconical upper portion 38 a and the externalperiphery of the hollow body 16 a to enable secure screw-threadattachment, or a locking mechanism such that a locking pin may bearranged to extend through the mounting component 38 and into thecoupling 16 or another part of the tray to thereby secure the displaystand to the tray.

Various materials can be used to form the tray 12, handle 14, handlecoupling 16 and display stand 18 components of the serving tray. By wayof example, the materials may include, but are not limited to, polymerplastic, aluminium, metal, rubber, or wood. In this preferred form, thetray 12 and integral handle coupling 16 are integrally moulded from apolymer plastic or rubber material. Likewise, the handle 14 isintegrally moulded from polymer plastic. The display stand frame 36 maybe formed from a polymer plastic or metal with the mounting component 38being moulded from polymer plastic or rubber.

Second preferred embodiment—serving tray with removable handle couplingassembly

With reference to FIGS. 7A-8, a second preferred embodiment of theserving tray 50 will be described in further detail. Various dimensionsof the components are provided by way of example only and may be variedas desired. The functionality of the second preferred embodiment servingtray 50 is similar to that of the first preferred embodiment servingtray 10. The significant difference between the embodiments is thatserving tray 50 employs a removable handle coupling assembly that issecurable to the tray whereas the serving tray 10 employs an integralhandle coupling formation as previously described. For clarity, adisplay stand is not shown for the serving tray 50, although it will beappreciated that this additional component may if desired also besecured to the serving tray in a manner previously described withreference to serving tray 10.

Serving tray 50 comprises a tray 52 that is substantially similar inshape to that of tray 12, although this is not essential. In particular,the tray is substantially planar and circular having a top surface 52 aand a bottom surface 52 b. An optional rim 52 d may extend upwardly fromthe circumferential edge 52 c of the tray in a similar configuration totray 12 of the first preferred embodiment. The tray may be metal spunand by way of example may be approximately 400 mm in diameter, althoughthe diameter size and shape may vary as desired. It will be appreciatedthat the tray may also be formed plastic polymer or rubber if desired.The tray 52 is preferably provided with a central aperture or hole 54that extends through the entire thickness of the tray from the topsurface 52 a to the bottom surface 52 b. In the preferred form, theaperture 54 is circular and by way of example may be approximately 40 mmin diameter. The serving try 50 comprises a two-part coupling assemblyhaving a first part 56 a and second part 56 b. When installed, the firstpart 56 a of the coupling assembly is located on the top surface 52 a ofthe tray 52 while the second part 56 b is located underneath the tray onthe bottom surface 52 b. The first 56 a and second 56 b parts of thecoupling assembly are securable together via the central aperture 54 ofthe tray to thereby mount the coupling assembly for the handle to thetray 52. When the first 56 a and second 56 b parts of the couplingassembly are fitted together, they are approximately 30 mm high in adirection perpendicular to the planar surface of the tray.

In the preferred form, the first part 56 a comprises an upper portion 58that is a substantially hollow body that provides an internal cavitythat is shaped to receive and retain, via a friction-fit hold, acomplimentary engagement member or engagement portion 72 of the handle70 of the serving tray 50, which will be described in further detaillater. In this preferred embodiment, the external peripheral surface ofthe upper portion 58 of the upper part 56 a of the coupling assembly hasa dome-like appearance.

The lower portion 60 of the first part 56 a of the coupling assemblycomprises an annular protrusion or wall extending from the bottomsurface of the dome 58. The annular wall 60 provides a cavity access oropening 62 through which the engagement member 72 of the handle may beinserted once the coupling assembly has been installed onto the servingtray 52. The diameter of the annular wall 60 is preferably smaller thanthe diameter of the tray's central aperture 54 such that the annularwall can extend through the tray and protrude from the bottom surface ofthe tray 52 b as shown in FIG. 7B. The diameter of lower surface of thedome 58 is larger than the annular wall 60 thereby providing an annularshoulder 64 that abuts with an annular portion of the top surface 52 aof the tray immediately adjacent to the circumference of centralaperture 54 of the tray 52 when the first part 56 a of the couplingassembly is installed.

As shown, the external peripheral surface of the annular wall 60 of thefirst part 56 a of the coupling assembly is provided with a screwthreaded surface. The screw threaded surface is arranged to cooperatewith the internal screw thread of the second part 56 b of the couplingassembly. The second part 56 b is preferably in the form of an annularcomponent having a screw-thread on its inner annular wall for attachingto the upper part 56 a via a screwing action. As shown in FIG. 7B, wheninstalling the coupling assembly to the tray 52, the first part 56 a isinserted through the central aperture 54. The second part 56 b is thensecured via screwing tightly to the screw threaded annular wall 60 ofthe first part 56 a to mount the coupling assembly to the tray as shownin FIG. 7C.

Once installed, the handle coupling assembly and tray 52 are ready toreleasably couple to the handle 70 in a similar manner as that describedwith reference to the first embodiment serving tray 10. For example, thehandle 70 is provided with an engagement portion 72 at its top-end thatpreferably is received and retained in the cavity of the first part 56 aof the coupling assembly by slidable insertion or engagement indirection of arrow B (i.e. movement in a direction corresponding,parallel, or coincident to the longitudinal axis of the handle) throughthe cavity access 62 of the first part 56 a. Upon full engagement, thehandle 70 is held in place by a friction-fit of the engagement member 72with the surrounding internal peripheral surface of the cavity formedwithin the upper part 56 a of the coupling assembly in a mannerpreviously described. As before, the handle 70 is releasably coupled tothe tray 52 in that it is slidably disengagable or releasable by pullingthe handle away from the tray in direction E with sufficient force torelease the friction-fit hold. Direction E is in the opposite directionto the installation direction B and is movement in a directioncorresponding, parallel, or coincident with the longitudinal axis of thehandle. In this embodiment, the handle 70 is arranged to be mounted suchthat it extends substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface 52 bof the tray 52, and the slidable installation and removal directions ofthe handle are also substantially perpendicular to the planar surface ofthe tray.

With reference to FIG. 7D and FIG. 8, an external perspective and across-sectional view from direction D through central line CC (whichcorresponds to the central longitudinal axis of the handle 70) of theassembled serving tray 52 is shown. In this preferred form, the handle70 has an ergonomic peripheral shape for gripping by the hand of a user.The cross-sectional shape along the length of the handle is preferablycircular but with varying diameter along its length, although a uniformdiameter may be employed in alternative embodiments. In this preferredform, the diameter of the handle at or toward the top-end 80 of thehandle is reduced or smaller relative to the diameter of the handletoward bottom-end 82 of the handle. The handle between its top-end 80and bottom-end 82 can be defined as a handgrip region or portion. Amiddle portion 84 of the handle may also have a reduced cross-sectionaldiameter relative to the remainder of the handle. This middle portion 84of reduced diameter provides an ergonomic peripheral gripping surfacefor the hand of the user. It will be appreciated that alternativeembodiments of the handle having a non-circular cross-section may employvarying peripheral cross-sectional (perpendicular to the longitudinalaxis) circumference profiles along their length that are substantiallyequivalent to the varying diameter profiles described. For example, thehandles may have a progressively reducing peripheral circumference alongtheir length from top-end to bottom-end, or a middle portion of reducedcircumference relative to the remaining circumference of the handle ator toward the top and bottom ends, or any other profile.

The handle may be formed from plastic, rubber or any other suitablerigid material. In this preferred form, the handle may be approximately140 mm long with a largest cross-sectional diameter of approximately 30mm, although the dimension can be varied to provide different sizehandles as desired.

As mentioned, a display stand 18 as described with reference to FIG. 6may be mounted to the serving tray 50 if desired. The attachment of thedisplay stand to the serving tray may be in a similar manner to thatdescribed with respect to the first embodiment serving tray 10.Alternatively or additionally, the dome-like upper portion 60 of thefirst part of the coupling assembly of the tray may be provided with asmall elongate hole, for example approximately 7 mm deep, into which acomplimentary locking or mounting part extending downwardly from thedisplay stand or the mounting component 38 of the display stand mayengage to secure the display stand in place on the tray. By way ofexample only, the rectangular frame 36 of the display stand may have awidth of approximately 100 mm and a height of approximately 200 mm.

Typical use of the Serving Tray

Typical use of the serving tray of either of the first and secondembodiments will now be described by way of example. With reference tothe second embodiment serving tray 50, it will be assumed that thecoupling assembly is fully installed onto the tray 52.

Typically, waitstaff will provided with a supply of trays and removablysecurable handles. During initial loading of the tray, the handle may beremoved so that the tray is fully supported on the table or othersupport surface. Once the tray is loaded, the waitstaff slides the traytoward an edge of the table and supports it with their hand until thehandle coupling access aperture is exposed at which point they mayinsert and install the removable handle into the coupling of the tray.Once the handle has been inserted, the tray may be carried by one handof the user by holding the handle. Unloading the tray may be a reverseof this process whereby the waitstaff support an edge portion of thetray on a surface, remove or disengage the handle and then slide thetray fully onto the surface for unloading. Alternatively, unloading mayoccur directly from the tray onto the patron's table by the user holdingthe handle of the serving tray without resting it on any other surface.

The display stand 18 may optionally be mounted on the tray during useand may have mounted thereon any desired advertising or other displaymaterial as previously described.

Other Features and Alternatives Embodiments

The features of the first and second embodiments of the serving tray maybe interchanged or combined as desired. The materials used to form thevarious serving tray components may be the same or different, andinclude moulded polymer plastic, metal, aluminium, or other suitablerigid materials.

The preferred embodiment serving trays 10 and 50 have been described ashaving a slidably removable handle that is releasably coupled to thetray via a sliding engagement with a friction-fit hold within acomplimentary coupling cavity. This slidable installation and removal ofthe handle provides ease of use for waitstaff performing their duties.

The foregoing description of the invention includes preferred formsthereof. Modifications may be made thereto without departing from thescope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

1.-39. (canceled)
 40. A serving tray comprising: a substantially planartray having a top surface and bottom surface, and being provided with acoupling comprising an internal cavity that is accessible via an openingin the vicinity of the bottom surface of the tray; and an elongatehandle being coupled to the coupling so as to extend from the bottomsurface of the tray, the internal cavity of the coupling being adaptedto receive and retain a complementary engagement member or engagementportion of the handle in a slidably releasable friction-fit hold,
 41. Aserving tray according to claim 40 wherein the handle is slidablyreleasable from the tray in a direction coincident or parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the handle.
 42. A serving tray according to claim40 wherein the elongate handle extends longitudinally between a top-endand a bottom-end, and wherein the engagement member or engagementportion extends from the top-end of the handle.
 43. A serving trayaccording to claim 40 wherein the internal cavity of the coupling has afrustoconical shape and the engagement member or engagement portion ofthe handle has a complementary frustoconical shape.
 44. A serving trayaccording to claim 40 wherein the coupling is centrally located withrespect to the peripheral edge of the tray; and wherein the coupling isoptionally integrally formed with the tray or releasably mounted to thetray.
 45. A serving tray according to claim 44 wherein the coupling isin the form of a coupling assembly having a first part and a second partthat are securable to each other from opposite surfaces of the tray viaa central aperture extending through the tray.
 46. A serving trayaccording to claim 40 wherein the elongate handle is arranged to extendsubstantially perpendicularly relative to the bottom surface of thetray; optionally wherein the handle is provided with an upper flange ator toward its top-end that extends outwardly from the peripheral surfaceof the handle.
 47. A serving tray according to claim 42 wherein thehandle is provided with an upper flange at or toward its top-end and alower flange at or toward its bottom-end, the flanges extendingoutwardly from the peripheral surface of the handle and defining betweenthem a handgrip region of the handle for the user's hand.
 48. A servingtray according to claim 40 wherein the handle has a circularcross-sectional shape along its length; optionally wherein thecross-sectional diameter of the handle is uniform along a substantialportion of its length.
 49. A serving tray according to claim 48 whereinthe cross-sectional diameter of the handle is non-uniform along asubstantial portion of its length; optionally wherein thecross-sectional diameter of the handle at or toward its top-end isreduced relative to the cross-sectional diameter at or toward itsbottom-end,
 50. A serving tray according to claim 49 wherein thecross-sectional diameter of the handle in a middle portion between thetop-end and bottom-end of the handle is reduced relative to theremainder of the handle.
 51. A serving tray according claim 40 whereinthe cross-sectional circumference of the handle is non-uniform along itslength; optionally wherein the cross-sectional circumference of thehandle at or toward its top-end is reduced relative to thecross-sectional circumference at or toward its bottom-end.
 52. A servingtray according to claim 51 wherein the cross-sectional circumference ofthe handle in a middle portion between the top-end and bottom-end of thehandle is reduced relative to the remainder of the handle.
 53. A servingtray according to claim 40 wherein the tray is provided with a rim thatprotrudes upwardly from the peripheral edge of the tray relative to thetop surface of the tray.
 54. A serving tray according to claim 40further comprising a display stand that is removably mounted to the topsurface of the tray; optionally wherein the display stand comprises aframe onto which display material is securable.
 55. A serving trayaccording to claim 54 wherein the display stand further comprises amounting component attached to the frame that is arranged to mount ontoa complimentary protrusion provided centrally on the top surface of thetray.
 56. A kit of parts for assembling into a serving tray comprising:a substantially planar tray having a top surface and a bottom surface; acoupling integral with the tray or securable to the tray, the couplingcomprising an internal cavity that is accessible via an opening in thebottom surface of the tray; and an elongate handle with an engagementmember or engagement portion that is releaseably securable to thecoupling of the tray such that the handle extends from the bottomsurface of the tray when installed, the internal cavity of the couplingbeing adapted to receive and retain the engagement member or engagementportion of the handle in a slidably releasable friction-fit hold.
 57. Asubstantially planar serving tray having a top surface and a bottomsurface and which has a coupling with an internal cavity that isaccessible via an opening in the vicinity of the bottom surface of thetray and which is shaped to receive and retain a complementary shapedengagement member or engagement portion of an elongate handle such thatthe handle extends from the bottom surface of the tray when installed.58. An elongate handle for coupling to a serving tray, the handleextending between a top-end and a bottom-end, and having an engagementmember or engagement portion extending from the top-end of the handlethat is shaped to be received and retained in a complementary shapedinternal cavity of a coupling of the serving tray; optionally whereinthe engagement member or engagement portion has a frustoconical shape.59. A handle coupling assembly for releasbly coupling a handle to aserving tray serving tray having a top surface and a bottom surface, thecoupling assembly comprising a first part and a second part that aresecurable to each other from opposite surfaces of the tray via a centralaperture extending trough the tray and together providing an internalcavity that is accessible via an opening in the vicinity of the bottomsurface of the tray and which is shaped to receive an retain acomplementary shaped engagement member of an elongate handle such thatthe handle extends from the bottom surface of the tray when installed.